From Former Rector

Kevin Warner

Thank you all for the wonderful send off! Thanks to all who made donations and for the heartfelt cards. It has been such a joy serving as your rector and I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and love shown at the party and through the well-wishes before and after. You will be continually in my prayers as you search for your next rector.

God bless you all!

Fr. Kevin+

From the Associate Rector

for April 2023

Alvin Toffler wrote, in 1970, “Change is avalanching upon our heads and most people are grotesquely unprepared to cope with it.” The quote is relevant today.

Sometimes, it seems as though we, from a riverside dock, have launched out to a landing on the opposite shore and then we discover that landing is no longer there. To make things worse, looking back to the other shore, we discover the dock from which we left has broken loose and is heading downstream. Like it or not, we are in transition.

The ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, put it well, “You can’t step in the same river twice.” It is, in reality, the same river but is never the same. As it continues, it deepens, broadens and is enlarged as it makes its way to the sea. It is affected by the uplands, the lowlands and the mountains, and this is good and necessary to prevent stagnation. Much effort and continual movement will bring change and this change could provide Divine excellence.



We are in transit, and in despite of the change that transition brings, there is no reaching the Promised Land without going through it. 

Father Lee

Rector Search Updates

Video Updates

New Rector Call Status 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6medC2V91hM

Junior Warden's Report

As we spring forward this year, Church maintenance items are also moving forward. If you have not had an opportunity to see our newly-lighted sign out front, take a drive-by after dark. New LED lights are installed and, not only is our sign more visible, it will save us $$ on our electric bill.

The needed new air conditioning unit has been ordered and is now about six weeks out from installation. So far, the remaining three units are working adequately and let’s hope it stays cool for a while longer. This expenditure was unexpected and definitely not in our budget. If you can help in any way (all amounts will be appreciated), please let Don Fisher or me know. Also contributions marked for the air conditioner can also be dropped off at the office.

Work continues around the Church on various projects. They are addressed in an “as-needed” manner. If you are aware of something, please fill out the request form (found in the office or copies are at the welcome center desk) and get it to the church office so then can be handled as expeditiously as possible.

The Healing Center status is that there has been great progress every day. The deck is up and the inside work is progressing nicely. It was necessary to call back the plumber. We will continue to keep you informed.



Wishing everyone a very Happy Easter. The Lord is risen indeed! 

Blessings

Steve Van Loan

Jr. Warden

From Your Health Ministry

We will resume doing blood pressures in the parish hall after the 10 AM service on the last Sunday of each month.

Changing of the Guard

And just like that, Fr. Kevin has left. On February 19^th. the last Sunday of Epiphany, Fr. Kevin preached his last sermon to us at Saint John the Divine. We are grateful for the time he spent among us and wish him God’s speed. Separations are never easy, but as Christians, we have got to place our trust in the Lord that He will see us through. Saint John the Divine is not the first church to have its Rector leave. The advantage we have, is our abundance of riches. We already have on campus, two capable priests to cater to our spiritual needs. Most congregations when faced with the departure of their Rector are left in a form of disarray. This is not the case at Saint John the Divine.

I would suggest to you, support your lay leaders who have been charged with the responsibility of selecting and calling the next Rector. Heed their call when summoned to action. The process of calling a new Rector may appear at times to be long, laborious and confusing. But from someone who has been involved in many transitions, do not allow this feeling to spur you into the urge for quickening the process faster than it needs to be. Let not your hearts be troubled. Let the Spirit lead the discussions and deliberations. In Proverbs we are instructed to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” If this is our cardinal approach, then the eventual outcome will be accepted by all.

In a little over twenty days Christians around the world will be observing the period of worship that ushers in the Easter Season. Whether it is Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or the glorious Resurrection Sunday, I invite you to try your level best to be a part of every activity you church has available. The Easter Story is one of Hope triumphing over despair. If you so believe, we can have our Easter Story here at Saint John the Divine. Now is not the time for us to slack off our membership and support. Saint John the Divine needs you more than ever. 

In God's Grace and Peace,

Aubrey V. Thompson

Head Verger

Divine Jewelry Shoppe

Divine Jewelry Thrift Shoppe is doing quite well. Members of the community have told us they like our inventory and think our prices are amazing.

As you probably know by now, this project is a church fundraiser and we need your help to make it a success. Please continue to bring us the jewelry you no longer wear, especially necklaces, bracelets, earrings pins and rings. We carry costume jewelry but have received a few pieces of fine jewelry which we priced higher and sold! Just tag your real jewelry so we can quickly identify it.

The other thing that has to happen for the shop to succeed is we need customers. So, we ask for your help again. Please let your friends, family, neighbors, hairdersser, everybody know about us.

Jewelry donation baskets are in the parish hall on Sunday mornings and in the church office Monday - Thursday 9 to 12. If you cannot drop off and as long as you are local, one of us will come out and pick up if you give us a call.

Helping this fundraising effort succeed is a wonderful way for you to give more to the church at a time we could use it.

We will update you down the road and let you know what church projects we are funding. Thank you again for your support.

If you want to stop by and check us out, we are open Wednesdays 9 to 1 and before and after the 10 AM service on Sundays.

Sponsoring Flowers

Sponsoring flowers for Sunday is a wonderful way to celebrate, honor, or remember a special person or an event, such as a birthday, anniversary, or achievement. Only $30 is the recommended donation for such an occasion. There is also opportunity to contribute to the purchase lilies for Easter.

Flowers used on Sunday are subsequently arranged in smaller bouquets, which are taken to people in hospitals or to those who are homebound. Although many recipients thoughtfully return vases to be used again, there is currently a shortage. The Flower Guild needs quart and pint size vases; however, they do not need bud vases. Anyone having some to donate, may bring them to church and leave them on the counter under the large bulletin board in the parish hall. They will be much appreciated.

The Flower Guild is looking for a few adventurous men and women, with talent they may not know they have, to arrange flowers for God's house. No experience is required. Guided training is provided. Anyone wishing to discover your hidden talent may email yoniece@yahoo.com or call/text at 941-545-8132.

Grief Support April 2023

Grief and Anxiety

It makes sense that loss causes anxiety. Loss thrusts us into a deeply vulnerable position. We experience a range of emotions unlike anything before. We fear more loss and more unexpected events. We also live in a culture that isn’t great at supporting grief. All of these in combination make the perfect recipe for anxiety. So, what to do about it?

Here’s a list of steps so you can better work through your grief and begin to get a handle on your anxiety.

1. Learn a little about how anxiety works. Anxiety is the mind’s response to a fearful situation. Death and loss automatically set off our fear-responders, putting you on alert and heightening physical sensations. Reminding yourself that this is a normal reaction and that it is our body’s way of managing stress can help keep you calm.

2. Check in with your grief. One reason we develop anxiety after a loss is due to unprocessed grief. Take some time to check in with yourself about your grief process. Are there emotions or memories that you are avoiding out of fear or pain? If so, open yourself up to doing some work in these and doing so will be sure to ease the pressure on your accompanying anxiety. SJD Grief Support is a great place to assist you.

3. Make amends. One of the reasons we get stuck in our grief and anxiety is because there is something left unsaid, or something we feel guilty about following a loss. It’s never too late to seek forgiveness.

4. If your loss is of a loved one, embrace resilience. Find ways to begin moving forward and healing. Sometimes we resist doing this because it feels like if we choose to move forward then it means we are letting go of our loved one. We will never get over the loss of a loved one but we can find ways to build a meaningful life in their absence.

5. Write your way through. There is serious power in writing through your grief. Put a pen to paper to quell some of that anxiety.

6. Understand how your brain works. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an intrinsic part of getting a handle on grief-related anxiety. Understanding how our thoughts work, and learning new methods to quell pervasive, repetitive and catastrophic thoughts is key to managing your anxiety. Seek professional counseling to get this therapy.

7. The power of meditation. Meditation may sound like a soft approach, but it’s one of the more surefire ways to combat anxiety. Freeing yourself from pervasive thoughts and immersing yourself in the present moment can work wonders on the anxious mind.

8. Don’t go it alone. Grieving is lonely business, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the reasons we get so anxious is because we don’t know how we’re supposed to do this. Reach out and find some support, either in a grief group, one-on-one therapy or with a friend who understands.

The Grief Support Group at Saint John Divine offers more than just discussions for those who have lost someone. Grief is a natural process. It isn't a disorder or an illness. You may be grieving about anything you've lost, whether it's a loved one or a job or something that had meaning for you.



We meet every month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:00 AM in the Dons Room in the Banner building. When you feel the need, we can be there for you.

Books of Faith Club

Join us while we study Astonished by the Presence of God by Howard Roshaven Monday mornings at 11:30 AM starting April 17th. 

We meet via Zoom at: https://zoom.us/j/98747070192

If you have any questions, contact Allie Maiocchi and books will be available for purchase in the Parish Hall.

We look forward to seeing you then!

THE GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The history of the Good Friday Offering reaches back to 1922 when, in the aftermath of World War I, The Episcopal Church sought to create new relationships with and among Christians of the Middle East. From these efforts, focusing on relief work and the improvement of ecumenical and Anglican relations, the Good Friday Offering was created.

The Good Friday Offering supports the ministries of the diocese of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Generous donations of Episcopalians help the Christian presence in the Land of the Holy One to be a vital and effective force for peace and understanding among all of God’s children.

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem is home to about 7000 Anglicans worshiping within twenty-eight different congregations. It is responsible for more than thirty institutions, including hospitals, schools, clinics, rehabilitation centers, guesthouses, and retirement homes, scattered across five separate countries or territories: Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. Divergent laws and politics of each region make administering these ministries challenging.

Despite these difficulties, the Diocese responds actively to the needs of the people, making no distinction between religion, ethnicity, or gender, while seeking to promote a spirit of peace, respect, and cooperation—all based upon Christian values. 

Because of political strife and lack of economic opportunity, the Christian population west of the Jordan river has dwindled from more than 25% a century ago to less than 2% today. In the face of this diminishing Christian presence, our diocesan ministries sustain and strengthen our witness, shining the light of Christ into areas of darkness.

For over 100 years, Episcopalians have shared their love, compassion, and financial gifts to support the ministry of the Anglican Communion Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. 

We invite you to take a look at the Good Friday Offering Display Table in the Parish Hall, and to checkout their website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/good-friday-offering/. Please help by making a donation at either the Maundy Thursday or Good Friday Service. These gifts have made an astounding difference in the lives of many people in the homeland of Jesus and beyond.

If you wish to give online, please scan or click the QR Code